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The queer community shine the brightest in Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s astonishing remake of A Star is Born

★★★★★

This unlikely duo transform a classic tale of love and loss into a contemporary commentary of acceptance.

There’s a reason why this film has been re-made four times. A Star is Born is a heartbreakingly honest depiction of the fight for approval and the road to success. But, it is the inclusion of the LGBTQ community in this rendition of the film which truly dazzles.

Bradley Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a long-haired, gin-soaked rock star struggling to cope with his fame and addiction. He first meets Lady Gaga’s character Ally as he staggers into a drag-bar; desperate for another drink. As a former waitress at the club, Ally performs once a week and it is whilst she belts out Edith Piaf's ‘La Vie en Rose’ that a star is born for the first time.

Having established herself as a gay icon, Lady Gaga uses her big screen debut to pay homage to her dedicated queer fanbase.  Gaga’s message has given her LGBTQ fans hope for over a decade; and like many of these fans, Ally too longs for acceptance. Scorned for the way she looks and told she’ll never make it, Ally is close to giving up on her dreams until Jackson stumbles into her world.

Making his directorial debut, Cooper allows for mainstream exposure to drag culture. RuPaul's Drag Race stars Shangela and Willam provide one of the most hilarious and poignant scenes. Resting on a bar stool in front of the flamboyant women, Jackson, an overtly masculine character, croons ‘Maybe it's time to let the old ways die’. Any prejudices audiences may have believed Jackson to have are diminished; allowing all forms of masculinity to exist.

Despite its Hollywood blockbuster feel, this movie is far from shallow. The one thing soaring above the enchanting soundtrack and the booming Oscar buzz, is the jubilant celebration of the queer community and all that it stands for.

A Star is Born is in cinemas now.

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Red Bull to Ritalin, Monster to Modafinil; students are turning to ADHD medication to improve their focus whilst studying.

With tuition fees at record high, young adults across the UK are looking to new ways of staying focused in order to increase their chances of a better degree.

Study drugs, smart pills or nootropics, are a group of prescription drugs used to increase mental focus and productivity during long periods of work or study. Those most commonly used include Ritalin and Modafinil; both of which are generally prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For people who have ADHD, these drugs can be lifesavers. However, for those who don’t, there are potential risks.

ADHD Richmond is a voluntary support group which has been offering support to parents/carers of children with ADHD since 1995. Chairman of the group, Alastair Yates, said: “Our members’ children, if diagnosed with ADHD, may take medication to increase the dopamine levels in the brain to a ‘normal’ level…The risks involved in someone taking this medication, who has the normal levels of dopamine, is palpable.”

Insomnia, loss of appetite, increased anxiety and more physical issues such as abdominal pain and headaches are all known side-effects of nootropics.

Tracy Robinson, a third-year sociology student at Sussex University tried Modafinil in her first year and says that if you struggle with motivation and concentration, study drugs are worth considering. She said: “I found out about Modafinil after researching nootropics and thought I'd give them a go. I'd always struggled with motivation and concentration with my studies, so I really had nothing to lose trying them.”

However, her experience wasn’t all she’d hoped for. “The issue with the drug is that it made me focus on whatever task I was doing. I would routinely find myself watching bizarre philosophy videos or obsessively cleaning my room. One day I was doing revision and I had combined modafinil with caffeine tablets…the drugs only made me panic more, and I ended up having a severe panic attack and heart palpitations.”

Bozhena Zoritch, one of the UKs leading consultant paediatricians has worked with young people with ADHD for over 30 years. She said: “Although it is rare; drug companies do warn of side effects such as heart-rhythm problems and low blood pressure; not to mention severe weight-loss and depression.”

Smart pills are available online without a prescription and whilst it is a criminal offence to sell the drugs; it is legal to buy and import them into the UK for personal use. Foundation year two doctor, Anna Payne warned of the dangers of buying these drugs online saying: “If bought online, they are not overseen by a healthcare professional. You cannot be sure of the ingredients. They could be mixed with anything or could be fake with no active ingredient.”

When speaking to students it seemed obvious that study drugs are taken a lot less seriously than ‘street drugs’ such as Ecstasy or LSD. Anna Payne believes it’s down to a lack of education.

“Everyone has seen pictures of heroin addicts and crack addicts, so these drugs have negative connotations. Whereas I've never seen a 'study drug addict' as such.”

There have been calls by scientists to start licensing these drugs to students so as to remove the dangers of online purchasing. Anna Payne agrees it would be safer for those who use nootropics regularly, however worries that “it might encourage others to start using them.”

Bozhena Zoritch said: “I think it’s a bit like steroids, just because it helps to build body mass and endurance, it doesn’t mean it should be legally available.”

Another criticism of smart drugs is that it gives students willing enough to risk taking them, an unfair advantage over those who aren’t.

However, Caroline Perry, a third-year politics student at The University of Manchester said she doesn’t see the problem with her peers taking them. “They don’t make you smarter, they’re just for concentration. They’re safe, so if someone was jealous then they could just take them.”

Tracy Robinson said: “I think arguments that say that study drugs make the platform unfair in terms of achievement should also address the incredibly high consumption of caffeine in students.”

A survey conducted showed that over 67% of people consume coffee, whilst only 14% admit to taking drugs to help them study.

So, what do students at City, University of London think? Jaimee Taylor and Lily Hewitson, discuss their stance on study drugs.

The use of nootropics has been a talking point for almost a decade. A report by The Telegraph in 2013, found that 25% of students at top UK universities had taken smart pills. Anna Payne blamed increased pressure on the NHS and the scarcity of funding for the lack of research this topic has seen.

“The NHS has much bigger issues to deal with at the moment and is already massively overstretched. In an ideal world, with a properly funded health system then yes, they could do a campaign, but it's not a major public health issue yet.”

Doctors are urging students to say no to the drugs. Payne and Zoritch agree that students need a healthy lifestyle in order to succeed. This includes adequate sleep, a healthy diet, exercise and regular breaks whilst studying. And although students Tracy and Caroline recommend nootropics to those who struggle to focus, they agree that more research needs to be done to ensure we are aware of the threats these drugs might pose.

Student’s names have been changed to maintain anonymity.

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Playlist 170218

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‘Call Me By Your Name’ Film Review

Based on the acclaimed novel by André Aciman, Call Me By Your Name is an exquisitely erotic coming-of-age, gay love story set in 1980s Northern Italy.

The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, follows the summer of Elio Perlman, an artsy 17-year-old American-Italian from a Jewish household. Guadagnino, born in Sicily in 1971 and best known for his 2009 film I Am Love, tells the beautiful tale of how Elio in his innocence and naivete, falls in love for the very first time.

Throughout Call Me By Your Name, Elio, played by Timothée Chalamet, reads books, writes music and sulks to himself as he lounges around in the sun with midsummer cabin fever and nothing to do but overthink the complexities of his adolescence. Elio’s father is perhaps the unsung hero of the film. Played by Michael Stuhlbarg, he is a professor of the Greco-Roman world and the reason why Oliver, played by Armie Hammer, a handsome graduate, is invited to spend the summer with the family.

Oliver’s arrival sparks a change in Elio’s behaviour. From the start there is an ever-building chemistry between the two young men which enchants and grips the audience as we anticipate the pair’s first physical interaction. Whether it’s the times they catch each other’s eye whilst changing, or the awkward moment Oliver massages Elio’s back during a game of volleyball; every interaction between them is directed with a huge sense of significance and poise.

The slow pace at which this film moves adds to the dreamy daze of which both lead characters find themselves in. Guadagnino sprinkles the long hot summer days with visual imagery and lyricisms to display the sexual frustration and desires of both Elio and Oliver. The egg yolk Oliver spills on himself and the fresh peach juice of which accompanies every al fresco mealtime, become metaphors for the purity of Elio and Oliver’s relationship.

The most graphic scene involves Elio using a peach to pleasure himself. Despite the explicit nature of the scene, Guadagnino shoots it in an incredibly sophisticated and shameless way. The use of camera angles and soundtrack add depth to the scene, one which represents Elio’s longing and the unfortunate impossibility of this love.

Michael Stuhlbarg’s brilliantly poignant speech to Elio is the film’s standout moment.

“I see what you’re going through, and as hard as it may be, don’t crush it or try to ignore it”.

Call Me By Your Name is not only a story of young love, passion and desire; but a tale of sensibility and loss which delves deep into unconditional love in its many forms.

*****

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Top 10 Albums of 2017

A list of my top 10 favourite albums released this year. I love all ten of these albums, would love to know what you think!

10. Kehlani - Sweet Sexy Savage

Sweet Sexy Savage shows off not only Kehlani’s brilliant vocal talent, but also her ability to fuse R&B with pop melodies. Lyrics remain relatable and conversational whilst Kehlani acts as a strong role-model to her female listeners. The mixture of catchy hits such as ‘Distraction’ and slower, more emotional ballads such as ‘Hold Me By The Heart’ make the album even more enjoyable to listen to. With the help of her longtime producer Jahaan Sweet, Kehlani has made a record which is not only innovative, but sounds like the future of pop music. 

Top Tracks - Undercover, Piece of Mind, Keep On

9. Princess Nokia - 1992 (Deluxe)

I was lucky enough to see Princess Nokia live back in January of 2017, and she blew me away. 1992 is full of recounts of her challenging childhood and rebellious adolescence, all set to innovative and unique beats. Nokia’s vulnerability is evident on the album’s opening track ‘Bart Simpson’. She raps ‘always been a loner, never had a solid home’. On lead single ‘Tomboy’ and track ‘Kitana’ however, her aggression and unapologetic attitude is at the heart of the songs. Princess Nokia is an interesting artist who i’m sure has a lot more to offer in the coming future.

Top Tracks - Tomboy, Brujas, Mine

8. Loyle Carner - Yesterday’s Gone

Peppered with anecdotes and emotional recounts of his past, Loyle Carner wears his heart of his sleeve on his debut album Yesterday’s Gone. Having seen Carner in concert twice this year. first at Parklife festival in June and then at Boomtown in August, it took me until the second half of the year to fall in love with this record. However. after witnessing him live, I began appreciating what an amazing artist and storyteller he is. The record is sprinkled with beautifully tender moments such as an amusing conversation with his mother and recordings by his late, step-father on the closing, title track. The fusion of jazz, funk and hip-hop on this record is what really makes it one of 2017′s best. 

Top Tracks - The Isle of Arran, Ain’t Nothing Changed, NO CD

7. Halsey - Hopeless Fountain Kingdom

I loved Halsey’s debut album ‘Badlands’, so was very excited for the release of her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. Lead single ‘Now or Never’ was one of my Top 20 Singles of 2017, and the full album did not disappoint. The production across the whole record is very good; with tracks such as ‘Eyes Closed’ featuring production and lyrics from The Weeknd and album closer ‘Hopeless’ featuring Cashmere Cat. My favourite moments on Hopeless Fountain Kingdom are when Halsey’s concept of a Romeo and Juliet style storyline come into play. Both ‘Sorry’ and ‘Strangers’ are tragic love songs, the latter, an LGBT anthem, featuring Lauren Jauregui of Fifth Harmony. I love the eeriness of tracks such as ‘Angel on Fire’ and how they juxtapose with pop smashes such as ‘Heaven in Hiding’ written with Sia and second single ‘Bad at Love’. Very clever artist who seems to always know exactly what she wants to do. 

Top Tracks - Now or Never, Sorry, Strangers (feat. Lauren Jauregui)

6. London Grammar - Truth is a Beautiful Thing

Ever since their debut album ‘If You Wait’ dropped back in 2013, trio London Grammar have been my favourite band. Their beautifully cinematic, ethereal music is always something I enjoy listening to. I was very happy when they finally released their second album Truth is a Beautiful Thing. Lead single ‘Rooting For You’ has to be one of my all time favourite London Grammar songs, it’s simplicity being really what makes it so brilliant. ‘Hell to The Liars’ is another one of my favourites on the album, and ranks highly on my Top 20 Singles of 2017 list. Although I do love this record, unfortunately, it doesn’t quite match the standard of their first album. Maybe it just takes a few more listens!

You can read my full review of ‘Truth is a Beautiful Thing’ here.

Top Tracks - Hell To The Liars, Rooting For You, Big Picture

5. SZA - Ctrl

Ctrl is one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2017, and by far one of my favourites also. On first listen there was only a couple of tracks which I liked, however since it’s release in June, I have grown to love this record in it’s entirety. The production on songs such as ‘Supermodel’ and ‘Go Gina’ is interesting and the lyrical content across the whole album is raw and personal. On ‘Doves in the Wind,’ SZA sings about Forrest Gump. She says he deserves the ‘whole box of chocolates’ as he’s the kind of guy who sees women for more than just what they look like. ‘Drew Barrymore’ has to be my favourite song on Ctrl, closely followed by ‘The Weekend’. The perfect album to pop on whatever mood you’re in and keep on repeat! 

Check out Calvin Harris’ remix of ‘The Weeeknd’ here. I’m obsessed.

Top Tracks - Drew Barrymore, The Weekend, Supermodel

4. Mura Masa - Mura Masa

One of my favourite moments of this summer was Parklife festival in June. I was lucky enough to see some amazing artists including Frank Ocean, Stormzy and The 1975; however, Mura Masa stood out to me as one of the best DJ sets i’ve ever seen. His self-titled album came out in July and is a collection of thirteen brilliant tracks. ‘Messy Love’ opens the album with the sounds of a London bus dropping the listener at New Park Road, near Brixton. From there, Masa’s production across the whole project remains consistent with his percussive signature style. The record’s featured artists add something different to each of the songs. Some amazing artists on this record including NAO, Christine and The Queens and A.K. Paul. Love this album, definitely one to check out. 

Top Tracks - Love$ick (feat. A$AP Rocky) , What if I Go? (feat Bonzai) , Firefly (feat. NAO)

3. Kesha - Rainbow

One of the biggest comebacks of 2017 was this lady. Kesha’s return to music has been brilliant, with her latest album Rainbow being full of catchy hits. Lead single ‘Praying’ was a brilliantly emotional and powerful way to start this new era of Kesha’s career. ‘Woman’, is one of my top favourite singles of the year, and songs like ‘Hunt You Down’ and ‘Boots’ are also fab. Kesha jumps through genres on Rainbow, successfully moving forward from the days of ‘Tik Tok’ but keeping hold of her status as one of pops most interesting. Never thought i’d love a Kesha album as much as I love this one. Amazing! 

Top Tracks - Woman, Hunt You Down, Praying

2. Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life

Lana Del Rey has always been a fav of mine, and this year she returned with her fifth studio album ‘Lust For Life’. As always, Lana delivered a beautiful album, however this time used her lyrics to spread a more political and social message. The Lana Del Rey we know and love is still there on Lust For Life; tracks like ‘Cherry’ and ‘White Mustang’ showcase that she isn’t done singing about her overly complex love life. However, with track titles like ‘God Bless America - And All The Beautiful Women In It’ and ‘When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing’, Lana delivers a topical album which is exactly what she says it is; her ‘modern manifesto’. Brilliant from start to finish.

Read my full review of ‘Lust for Life’ here.

Top Tracks - 13 Beaches, White Mustang, Heroin

1. Lorde - Melodrama

My number one favourite album of the year has to go to Lorde. Lorde is another artist who i’ve always been a fan of, however when her second album ‘Melodrama’ came out back in the summer, I really fell in love with it. From the beautifully innocent ‘Liability’ to the anthemic ‘Perfect Places’, Melodrama acts as a soundtrack to both Lorde’s youth and the lives of her listeners. Every second on this somewhat concise album feels poignant. My favourite moments on this record include the edgy, industrial production of tracks like ‘Hard Feelings/Loveless’. The very romanticised, melodramatic lyrics of ‘Homemade Dynamite’: ‘Might get your friend to drive, but he can hardly see. We'll end up painted on the road, red and chrome, all the broken glass sparkling. I guess we're partying’. The strings used in the title track, and finally the honestly and vulnerability of the lyrics in ‘Liability’. I adore this album and had to name it my number one favourite of the year. Always excited to see what Lorde does next, really hoping she bags that Grammy for AOTY.

Top Tracks - Liability, Sober II (Melodrama), Sober

You can check out my Top 20 Singles of 2017 here.

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Top 20 Singles of 2017

A list of my 20 favourite singles released this year. Narrowing it down to 20 was very hard, but I tried to get a bit of everything in there! Let me know what you think. 

20. Little Mix (feat. CNCO) - Reggaeton Lento

My guilty pleasure of 2017, one of the many ridiculously catchy singles Little Mix released this year.

19. Dua Lipa - New Rules

Dua Lipa has been massive in 2017. Love this song and love the video, definite female empowerment anthem. 

18. OW - Ultralife 

Ultralife is one of my favourite tracks from earlier this year. I enjoyed the OW album, but like this track in particular. I love the lyrics, the melody and the couples vocals. 

17. HAIM - Want You Back

Haim made their comeback this year and Want You Back was how it all started. This track was a brilliant choice as lead single. Their signature vocals and instrumental sound shine on this track and the video is also fab. Underrated.

16. Lady Gaga - The Cure

When Gaga dropped this track I think everyone was quite surprised. Very different from the stuff on Joanne, but equally as brilliant. Very interested what direction she is going in next as she is sure to change it up again. 

15. Mura Masa (feat. Charli XCX) 1 Night

This single comes from one of my favourite albums of 2017. I LOVED the Mura Masa record and all of the singles from it. This one, featuring Charli XCX, was my favourite of those released this year. Interesting production as always, and very catchy. 

14. Katy Perry - Chained To The Rhythm

I’ve never been a massive fan of Katy Perry, however really liked the lead single from her 2017 album Witness. Chained to The Rhythm is by far one of the most meaningful song she has released, and I love the political and social commentary in this song. Really disappointed with the full album as thought this song was excellent. 

13. Lorde - Green Light

Lorde was another artist who made a huge comeback in 2017. Green Light is by far one of her best songs technically. The production is like nothing she nor any other mainstream artist is doing and the lyrics are, as always, intelligent.

12. BANKS - Underdog

A one off single from Banks this year. Love her voice and really hope that this track is part of an upcoming album. 

11. Azealia Banks - Chi Chi

Azealia hasn’t been releasing much music recently, but she did drop this track and I love it. Signature AB sound and great choice of beats. Really hope she drops an album soon. 

10. Calvin Harris (feat. Frank Ocean, Migos) - Slide

Song of the summer. I really enjoyed Calvin Harris’ album, and Slide is by far the best track on the record. One of my favourite Frank Ocean features. 

9. Lily Allen (feat. Giggs) - Trigger Bang

Lily is one of my all time favourite musicians. I’ve loved her for a very long time so was excited to hear her new music. Trigger Bang shows a new direction for Lily, one which I’m interested to hear. I’m sure her upcoming album will be a fav of my in 2018. 

8. Kesha - Woman

Another artist who made a comeback in 2017. Kesha’s record was brilliant, and I wish I could have fitted more of her 2017 singles onto this list. Woman has to be my favourite track she’s released this year, I love the lyrics, the style and her impressive vocals. 2017 has been Kesha’s year, well deserved. 

7. Halsey - Now or Never

When this song came out earlier this year I was obsessed. I’ve always really liked Halsey and her music, but this song in particular stood out as a departure from her more classic pop sound to a more dark, edgy vibe. Had to include this song as it was literally on repeat for a good chunk of the year. Video is a masterpiece. 

6. London Grammar - Hell To The Liars

London Grammar has been my favourite band since their debut album came out back in 2013. Since then I was excitedly awaiting the release of their second album; it did not disappoint. The band dropped multiple singles in the lead up to the record, the lead single Rooting For You is beautiful, however Hell to The Liars has to be my favourite track on the album. It’s gorgeous!  Must listen. 

5. NAO - Nostalgia

Responsible for one of my top five favourite albums of 2016, NAO didn’t release much in the way of new music this year. However, she dropped ‘Nostalgia’ for fans whilst we wait for her second album. LOVE this track. I love how effortlessly NAO combines pop melodies with funky production. One of the best new artists in the last few years, can’t wait to hear her next album!

4. Frank Ocean - Chanel

One of my all time favs. The best track Frank released this year. Love his vocals and love the underlying message behind this song. Brilliant. 

3. Lana Del Rey - Love

My fav artist Lana Del Rey released her fifth album this year, and ‘Love’ was the lead single. Gorgeous track which marks the start of Lana’s musical political activism and social commentary. You can read my full review of ‘Love’ here.

2. Lorde - Liability

It was hard to decide which position to put these last two in. But, at number two is Lorde with her track ‘Liability’. This has become my favourite Lorde song, it’s simplicity and innocence is what I really love about it. Lorde’s lyrics are beautifully poignant and I will always love this track. 

1. SZA - Drew Barrymore

One of the biggest artists this year is at number one. I had to put my most listened to song of the year at the top spot and it is SZA with ‘Drew Barrymore’. I hadn’t been a fan of SZA for too long before she released this track but the minute she did, I was hooked. I can’t really pinpoint what exactly it is that I love about this song, but it is definitely one I listened to almost everyday this year! Love it, definitely give SZA  a listen. 

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Lana Del Rey and her ‘Lust for Life’

Lana Del Rey’s latest full length LP ‘Lust for Life’ is somewhat of a departure from her previous four records. Even on first glance this body of work is different. Take a look at the album’s artwork. That may be the same truck as used on the cover of 2012′s ‘Born to Die’. However, Lana is smiling. Yes, I repeat. Lana Del Rey is smiling. 

To date, Lana Del Rey’s discography has been a sombre recount of her troubled past, violent relationships and dark thoughts. Since ‘Video Games’ went viral online in 2011, Del Rey has managed to rally a hugely fanatical fan base of ‘kids’ who literally worship her. However, it is fair to say that she has rubbed quite a few people up the wrong way in the process. From her controversial ‘Ride’ music video, to the line ‘he hit me and it felt like a kiss’ on 2014′s ‘Ultraviolence’, Lana has been constantly criticised for glorifying drug abuse and domestic violence. In the last six years, the cinematic sound and vintage visuals have remained consistent with her four records documenting what she describes as ‘faded Hollywood glamour’. 

Lust for Life is different. For the first time in Del Rey’s career she appears to be living in the real world. 

Lead single ‘Love’ begins the album. The opening line, ‘look at you kids with your vintage music’ immediately addresses her army of dedicated fans who for the past six years have found comfort in her gloomy, sorrowful sound. 

“You’re part of the past, but now you’re the future. Signals crossing can get confusing. It’s enough just to make you feel crazy, crazy, crazy…”

These are perhaps my favourite lines of the song. The ‘kids’ of whom Lana speaks of, are us, the fans. Here Lana acknowledges that a lot of us are at crossroads in our lives. Not only are we ‘young’ and having to make difficult choices about education, careers and relationships; but today’s political climate is far from straightforward. With big decisions that are sure to effect us all, being made by such radical leaders, it’s enough just to make you feel crazy.  With ‘Love’, Lana encapsulates a desire to almost comfort her fans during this uncertain time.

You can read my full thoughts on the track ‘Love’ here.

The title track follows, and features The Weeknd, the first of five collaborations on the record. Never before has Lana included a feature on one of her albums, another thing marking ‘Lust for Life’ as a step in a new direction. This song is perhaps the most upbeat of the 16 tracks. As The Weeknd and Lana sing about this romantic lust for one another, the song’s deeper meaning becomes evident in lines such as, ‘cause we're the masters of our own fate, we're the captains of our own souls...there's no need for us to hesitate...’

Among the other four collaborations on Lust for Life, is the legendary Stevie Nicks. ‘Beautiful People, Beautiful Problems’ is by far one of the records most stripped back tracks. Lana and Stevie sing about how trivial a lot of our personal problems can seem in the grand scheme of things, ‘beautiful problems, God knows we've got them’. Their quite different vocal styles work surprisingly beautifully together, Del Rey’s adoration for Nicks is very noticeable as they harmonise towards the end of the song.

On ‘Coachella - Woodstock in my Mind’, Lana ponders over her time spent at this year’s Coachella music festival. The song tackles Lana’s inability to kick back and relax whilst tensions rise between North Korea and her country. She sings about turning off the music and almost feeling guilty for enjoying something so insignificant as Coachella at such a dangerous time.

‘What about all these children and all their children's children, and why am I even wondering that today? Maybe my contribution could be as small as hoping, that words could turn to birds and birds would send my thoughts your way.’

Lana Del Rey’s ‘contribution’ is a main theme on Lust for Life. On the album’s closing track ‘Get Free’ she sings, ‘this is my commitment, my modern manifesto. I'm doing it for all of us...’, lyrics which are a million miles from those on her previous four LPs. 

‘I made my first four albums for me, but this one is for my fans and about where I hope we are all headed.’

‘Change’, the album’s penultimate track, is another moment on the record where Lana sings about the big picture. The song is a very simple piano ballad and by far the most modest cut from the album. It is brilliantly placed towards the end of the record as it’s optimism and huge sense of hope ends Lust for Life in a similar way it began. On ‘Love’ Lana sings ‘don’t worry baby’, and on ‘Change’ she urges that, ‘maybe it's enough to just be where we are...’

‘Every time that we run, we don't know what it's from, now we finally slow down, we feel close to it. There's a change gonna come, I don't know where or when but whenever it does, we'll be here for it.’

The line, ‘there's something in the wind, I can feel it blowing in. It's coming in softly on the wings of a song’ references her wish that, ‘words could turn to birds and birds would send my thoughts your way’ on ‘Coachella - Woodstock in my Mind’. Moments like these are peppered throughout the record for the savvy among listeners who piece together Del Rey’s lyrics. 

As well as a lyrical shift, Lana’s production styles also differ on Lust for Life. Don’t get me wrong, her signature cinematic, ethereal vibe is very much present on tracks such as ‘13 Beaches’ and ‘White Mustang’, as is the more folky feel of tracks ten to thirteen. However, as well as her long time collaborator and producer Rick Nowels, there are a number of different producers on Lust for Life.

'Summer Bummer’ and ‘Groupie Love’ both feature rapper A$AP Rocky; friend of Lana’s and the artist who featured in Del Rey’s 2012 music video for National Anthem. Both these tracks, along with ‘In My Feelings’ and ‘Coachella - Woodstock in my Mind’, are quite obviously hip-hop inspired. ‘Summer Bummer’ in particular is built around a heavy hip-hop beat. Lana’s high-pitched vocals float in and out and almost take a back seat as Rocky and Playboi Carti take the lead with their verses.

Despite Lust for Life’s generally upbeat tone, the record is not without it’s dark, melancholy moments. On the track ‘Heroin’, possibly the most ‘Lana Del Rey’ sounding song on the record, she sings about flying to the moon and dreaming about the drug. The line ‘writing in blood on my walls and shit’ is very Ultraviolence, and of course, in true LDR style, she had to give her old man a shout out.

‘13 Beaches’ has to be my favourite track on the album. Again, this song, like most tracks on Lust for Life, has a deeper meaning which isn’t obvious on first listen. The intro of the song contains a vocal sample from the 1962 horror movie Carnival Of Souls. 

‘I don't belong in the world, that's what it is. Something separates me from other people. Everywhere I turn, there's something blocking my escape’ 

From there, the song turns into yet another beacon of hope for fans. She sings about freedom and feeling ‘hazy in the ballroom of my mind’.  The main premise of the song being that although it may take a while, you will ultimately find happiness and solitude. 

‘It took thirteen beaches to find one empty, but finally, I'm fine.’

Lust for Life is everything we love about Lana Del Rey and something which none of us ever thought she would make. 

Sonically, she has turned it up a notch. Lyrically, she has really switched it up. 

The darkness is still there; tracks like ‘Cherry’ and ‘White Mustang’ showcase that she isn’t done singing about her overly complex love life. However, with track titles like ‘God Bless America - And All The Beautiful Women In It’ and ‘When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing’ Lana has really delivered a topical album which is exactly what she says it is; her ‘modern manifesto’. 

Lust for Life is out now.

[seangallen24]

02.07.17

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London Grammar ‘Truth Is A Beautiful Thing’ Review

London Grammar’s debut album ‘If You Wait’ has to be up there as one of my favourite albums of all time. The prospect of new music was always an exciting one. lead singer Hannah Reid’s angelic vocals accompanied by her band mates Dan Rothman and Dominic Major’s music has always been gorgeously subtle and atmospheric. After almost four years of waiting, there second album, ‘Truth is a Beautiful Thing’ is finally here. 

A number of tracks were released in the build up to the album’s release on June 9th. Lead single ‘Rooting For You’ is the perfect opener to this record. Released back in January, this song remains one of my favourite London Grammar songs. From the minute i heard it, the track’s eerie and stripped back nature reminded me why i love London Grammar’s music so much. 

‘Big Picture’ is another favourite of mine, and follows as the album’s second song. An obvious choice for single, this track is one of the more catchy/upbeat on the record. I particularly like the guitar riff which builds up as the chorus kicks in.

Other personal highlights include track three ‘Wild Eyed’ which is an untouched, raw song on which Hannah’s vocals are right at the forefront. The acoustic vibe created on ‘Everyone Else’ works really well and reminds me a lot of ‘Flickers’, a track from the band’s debut album. After attending an event/sound experiment the band held in Shoreditch celebrating the release of the song ‘Oh Woman Oh Man’, I enjoy re-listening to that song and remembering the experience I had getting the chance to meet the band. 

‘Hell To The Liars’ is probably my favourite song on the record. The track opens beautifully and builds up slowly until each chorus hits. The melody on the chorus is gorgeous, and the long note Hannah sings at the end, brings the song back down to the subtlety of the second verse. The song ends climatically and really shows off Hannah’s incredible vocals and the band’s amazing song-writing skills.

‘Who Am I’ is lyrically one of the best tracks on the album and a definite favourite of mine. The title track is another stand-out and another which I fell in love with on first listen. 

Despite really loving this album, for whatever reason, I am yet to fall in love with it in the same way as I did with ‘If You Wait’. I think I  need more time to sit and listen to the tracks until I know them inside out, which lets face it shall not be a chore.

Beating Katy Perry to number one in the UK was a well deserved feat for this band, and ‘Truth is a Beautiful Thing’ is very much a contender for my album of the year.   

Truth is a Beautiful Thing is out now.

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at Saatchi Gallery

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👀 (at Saatchi Gallery)

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Lanas releasing a song with asap rocky... i might die😭🍒😍

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This album is a fucking masterpiece. (at London, United Kingdom)

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Dream come true♡ (at PARKLIFE FESTIVAL)

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The man of my dreams

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Obsessed. (at HFK)

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Revisiondays🌵 (at Shoreditch)